The term SEER stands for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results, and is a program that tracks cancer statistics across the United States. The purpose of SEER is to be able to take those statistics and learn more about the disease itself so that doctors can turn that data into discovery. SEER is part of the National Cancer Institute and the organization makes their data available online to the general public as well as doctors and researchers.
Must Know Statistics About Seer Cancer
Statistics about cancer can be very surprising especially for those who are not aware of the prevalence of certain types of cancer and the mortality rates of the condition. Many people are aware of the risk of breast cancer and lung cancer, but there are other types of cancer that are very common, and the mortality rate for cancer is not always as high as many people assume. Consider some interesting statistics about cancer cases in the U.S. as compiled by SEER, and which took into account cases from 2006 through 2011 unless otherwise noted.
1. There were 1,665,540 cases of cancer projected in 2014, and of which, there are expected to be 585,720 fatalities.
2. From 2004 to 2010, the 5-year survival rate for cancer was at 66.1%.
3. The number of new cases of cancer per 100,000 persons is expected to be 460.4, and the number of deaths per this total should reach 176.4.
4. The lifetime risk of developing cancer is approximately 40.8%, meaning that percent of the population is at risk for developing a cancer of some variety within their lifetime.
5. This is based on SEER’s data from 2008-2010. In 2011 it was estimated that some 13,397,159 people were living with cancer in the United States.
Prevalence of Certain Types of Cancer
As said, many people are aware of the prevalence of breast cancer and lung cancer, but statistics about the types of cancer that are common may be surprising.
1. In 2014 there were some 233,000 new cases of prostate cancer with SEER estimating some 29,480 deaths from this type.
2. There were 232,670 cases of breast cancer predicted, with some 40,000 deaths connected to this condition.
3. Lung cancer cases are at 224,210 with 159,260 deaths, showing it to be one of the deadlier forms of cancer.
4. Colon and rectal cancer was put at 136,830 cases with some 50,310 deaths attributed to this cancer, and melanoma or skin cancer was estimated at 76,100 with 9,710 deaths estimated.
5. Bladder cancer cases are estimated at 74,690 with some 15,580 deaths predicted, while lymphoma was not far behind, with 70,800 cases but 18,990 deaths.
6. Kidney cancer was actually the next most prominent type, with some 63,920 cases reported and 13,860 deaths, followed by thyroid cancer at 62,980 cases yet only 1,890 deaths.
7. Endometrial cancer rounded out the top ten list of most common cancers, with 52,630 cases reported and 8,590 deaths.
Breakdown of Cancer Cases
Who is most likely to get cancer? The median age for reported cases is 66, and 25.4% of patients are between the ages of 65 and 74 while 24.1% are between the ages of 55 and 64. The next most likely group is between the age of 75-84, with just over 19% of cases, and less than 1% of cases affect those who are under 20 years of age. The median age for death because of cancer is 72, with 28.4% of fatalities falling between the ages of 75 and 84 and 24.9% between the ages of 65 and 74.
Survival Rate
The five-year survival rate may be one of the most significant for cancer patients, as it continues to increase every year. In 1975 only 48.7% of those with cancer survived the five-year period, and in 1980 this number had jumped a small amount, to 49.1%. By 1985 the number was over half at 52.5% of cases surviving five years, and by 1990 the percentage was 57.7%. In 1994 the number of cancer patients surviving five years finally surpassed the 60% mark with 61% surviving, and in 1998 the number reached 64%. In 2002 the number climbed again to 67.3%, and in 2006 the reported rate of 5-year survival was at 68.5%, which of course is very good news for cancer patients and their families.
It’s important that all cancer patients and their families remember that no two cases are alike and statistics only tell part of the story. A cancer patient’s chances of survival are dependent on many factors, including their overall health, method of treatment chosen, early diagnosis, follow-up care, and even emotional support. While statistics show which age group is more likely to die of cancer, a person’s age does not guarantee or determine their survival rate either. These statistics can help doctors and researchers learn more about the disease but they should be considered with discretion by those actually facing cancer itself.